Super Falcons duo, Rinsola Babajide and Gift Monday continued their impressive form in Spain, leading Costa Adeje Tenerife to a 2-1 comeback victory over Valencia in a Liga F fixture on February 9, 2025.
Nigeria defender Ashleigh Plumptre was on target as Al Ittihad secured a 3-0 victory over Al Amal in the Saudi Arabia Women’s Premier League on Friday, marking their first win in five matches.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has stated that he remains a key figure in the division despite recent setbacks, insisting that his return will restore excitement to the weight class.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has once again publicly criticized Marcus Rashford, making it clear that the forward will not return to the squad unless he improves his attitude and commitment.
Victor Osimhen was the hero once again as Galatasaray edged Konyaspor 1-0 at the RAMS Park on Saturday night, with the Nigerian striker delivering the decisive goal from the penalty spot.
Marcel Esonwune, formerly part of the USA’s three-on-three basketball Olympic pool, made an emotional return to represent Nigeria in 2023—a decision that came with sacrifices and challenges.
“It wasn’t easy leaving the USA’s program, which offers more opportunities,” Esonwune admitted in a revealing interview with Brila FM.
“But I’ve been visiting Nigeria for years, and the chance to represent my fatherland was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Esonwune’s return to Nigerian basketball coincided with the 2023 Africa Zone Qualifiers, where the team defied all odds to reach the final. However, their journey was far from smooth.
With minimal preparation and no institutional backing, Esonwune described the campaign as “a miracle.”
“I was already planning a vacation in Nigeria when the opportunity came. We had just two practice sessions in Egypt before the games,” he said.
“I had to take the lead on the court and tell the team, ‘This is how we’re going to win.’”
Despite the team’s efforts, systemic issues continue to plague Nigerian basketball. The federation’s inability to fund or organize tournaments has left the sport in a precarious state.
Marcel Esonwune highlighted the contrast between Nigeria and other African countries like Egypt and Benin, which invest heavily in three-on-three.
“Egypt didn’t win a single game at the global qualifiers because they lacked the experience needed outside Africa. But at least they got there,” he said.
“We need funding, grassroots tournaments, and a unified strategy if we’re serious about competing on the world stage.”
Esonwune’s story reveals both the talent within Nigerian basketball and the systemic challenges holding it back.
For Marcel Esonwune, the hope remains that his sacrifices will inspire change.
“We’ve shown what’s possible with almost nothing. Imagine what we could do with real support,” he concluded.
The Impact of Football on the Global Entertainment Industry and Its Trends
Football is more than just a game; it is a global phenomenon. The sport boasts over 6 billion fans worldwide, making it the most popular sport.
Valencia’s Sporting Director, Miguel Ángel Corona, has expressed his excitement over the club’s acquisition of Nigerian striker Sadiq Umar on loan from Real Sociedad.
The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) officially announced the schedule for the 2024/2025 Premiership season during its Annual General Assembly (AGA) held on December 17, 2024.
Undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk has predicted that Anthony Joshua could defeat Tyson Fury on points if the two British heavyweights ever face off in the ring.
The Ukrainian champion, who recently defended his titles with a unanimous decision victory over Fury, made the surprising prediction while highlighting the challenges the “Gypsy King” presented in their two encounters.
“Maybe Anthony Joshua. Maybe on points,” Usyk said when asked about the potential matchup between his former opponents during an interview with Boxing King Media.
Usyk has faced both men in recent years, defeating Joshua in 2021 to claim the unified heavyweight titles and then successfully defending them in a 2022 rematch.
Earlier this year, the 34-year-old added the undisputed heavyweight crown after a hard-fought victory over Fury and retained his status in their rematch last weekend.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has made it clear that two major fights are on the horizon for the former two-time world champion: a clash with Fury and a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois, who stunned Joshua with a knockout win in September.
With Dubois scheduled to defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker on February 22, the path seems to be clearing for the long-awaited Fury vs Joshua showdown, although it is no longer likely to crown an undisputed champion.
Despite Joshua’s recent setbacks, Usyk has continued to show respect for his fellow heavyweight.
The Ukrainian recently included Joshua in his list of top five boxers, alongside pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, highlighting his belief in Joshua’s skill and potential.
Anthony Joshua, however, is still reeling from his devastating loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Hearn confirmed that the British-Nigerian fighter is “hurting” from the defeat.
“Yeah, he is hurting. He took a pasting at times in that fight and I think he has got his back up and wants to come back stronger,” Hearn told talkSPORT.
While the Fury vs Joshua clash is no longer considered a fight for the undisputed title, it remains one of the most highly anticipated matchups in boxing.
Fans around the world are eager to see if Joshua can overcome his recent setbacks and prove Usyk’s prediction right.
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